Ten minutes later, Chloe could not bear the cold any longer and weakly tugged at Joseph's sleeve, laughing dryly. "I’m getting kind of cold now. Can we close the windows?"As a gentleman, Joseph replied, "Why of course."He immediately had Patrick close the car windows.The flicker of amusement that crossed his eyes did not escape Chloe's notice. She realized he was toying with her, but she had no other choice but to clench her teeth and bear it, in light of the fact that she was wearing the dress he had bought for her.Harold was waiting outside the house with his cane in hand, anxiously looking out for them. The car stopped outside the large mansion that was as grand as a castle, and Chloe felt something was amiss when she saw it.Although Jake's uncle was wealthy, his family was not considered one of the wealthiest in Aesper. How could they afford such an extravagant estate worth billions while he was just a financial analyst?She asked in a low voice, "Is this your ancestral
"Tsk…" Joseph sat down, leaning lazily into his chair and putting his long legs up on the coffee table as he spoke in a sarcastic tone, "If you're so capable, why don't you become a doctor? Those other doctors would surely worship you for your ability to control women's reproductive cycles.""What nonsense are you spouting? I'm already old, so is it wrong for me to want to hold a great-grandchild?" Harold's expression became livid. "Besides, you went ahead and registered your marriage with Coco without even having a wedding or giving her any gifts. What do you think people will think of her?"This remark caused a sense of warmth to blossom in Chloe's chest. She poured a cup of tea for Harold and explained in a gentle voice, "Grandpa, it's not his fault. It was my decision to not hold a wedding since we're both so busy with work. Besides, as long as we love each other, having a wedding or not doesn't matter.""No, this is unacceptable. A person only gets married once in their lifetim
"Take that card I gave you earlier as your salary."Chloe stared in disbelief at the document lying on the table, her mind blank. Then, a smile slowly spread across her face, revealing a row of straight pearly whites."Thanks a bunch, Jojo," she said.'Now I can finally use your card without scruples!'She suspected that he was concerned that she might be reluctant to spend his money and thus had arranged a job for her.‘Looks like he can be pretty sweet and considerate at times.'Joseph's eyebrows went up slightly, and the indifference on his face melted a little as he chuckled. "If you want to thank me, just stop making terrible food.""I'll enroll in a cooking class!" she said.'But with your money!'Chloe struggled with the documents Joseph had given her due to all the financial jargon written on them. After translating two pages, she leaned against the table and closed her eyes, intending to take a quick break, but ended up drifting off to sleep.She was roused by a furr
Half an hour later, Chloe appeared in front of everyone holding Ginny's hand.Joseph's eyes flickered with surprise. Ginny was a sheltered child. Despite not being mischievous, she was timid, especially around unfamiliar people. It seemed to him that Chloe possessed some commendable traits.At the very least, she knew her way around kids.Ginny went around the crowd, showing off to everyone her new hairstyle. It had been tied up in a pair of symmetrical buns, each on one side of her head. It accentuated her adorable features, making her look like a little fairy."This hairstyle looks good on you, Ginny. It's good to know that my granddaughter-in-law is good with her hands," Harold praised generously."That's right. Her hands are like magic.""Someone who is usually good with their hands probably cooks very well too.""You're so fortunate to have a wife like her, Joseph."All of the people nodded and agreed with Harold.Blushing and smiling shyly, Chloe took a seat next to Jose
"It's okay. I'll just grab a cab," Chloe said as she smiled at him."Okay," Icarus replied as he waved. "See you next Wednesday."They were having another class next Wednesday."See you."After Icarus left, Chloe took her phone out and called for a cab.As Icarus walked into the underground parking lot, he received a phone call from his nephew, Jake."Uncle Icarus, Ava and I are getting engaged next month. You have to come!”"Is Ava your girlfriend from college?"There was a pause on the other end of the phone, and Jake replied slowly, "No, Uncle Icarus. That ex and I broke up a long time ago."Icarus did not say much, knowing that it was normal for young people to fall in and out of love. He agreed to come to the engagement and promised to be there on the day.Jake hung up the phone and turned to Ava. "Uncle Icarus promised to come. I'll introduce him to you on that day. He's a powerful figure in the financial industry."Ava nodded meekly and her eyes sparkled with exciteme
When Joseph came back from work, he found Chloe in the kitchen, chopping potatoes with a knife. She looked as if she had a deep grudge against the potatoes, for she was smashing instead of chopping them."Who upset you?" Chloe paused and turned around to look at him, knife in hand."A moron," she said begrudgingly.'Yes, a moron. And that nutjob of a moron is your nephew!'After a look of confusion, Joseph went upstairs to clean up.For dinner tonight, they had beef potato stew, oven-roasted vegetables, and Greek salad."I took a crash course on cooking today. Want to try the result of my learning?" Chloe asked.Joseph took a bite of the beef and said, "Well, there isn't much difference from the previous days.""Today’s only the first day, okay?" Chloe replied. "Give me a month and I'll surprise you.""We'll see," Joseph said.Although he said the food was not great, he enjoyed the meal very much.Chloe retired to her room to continue her work after dinner. Shortly after,
By the time Joseph came back with the car keys, Chloe’s mind was still swimming."Hmm?" He raised his eyebrows. "What's the matter? Let's go."Chloe fiddled with the buttons of her coat and demurely said, "Is it too much trouble for you to drive me this late at night?"Despite not being emotionally prepared to confess to Jake yet, the idea of him seeing her with his uncle and losing his confidence was too big of a temptation to let go. Just the thought of that scene sent shivers of joy down her spine.Unfortunately, Joseph misconstrued her intentions and his expression turned sour as he quipped, "Don't worry. I just happened to be heading back to the office and it’s along the way. I won't be a hindrance to your secret meeting with your paramour.""What paramour?" Chloe was taken aback, and it was not until a moment later that she realized the meaning behind his odd tone. She took a few steps closer, smiling slyly as she stared at him. "Are you jealous?"Otherwise, why would he so
It seemed that Ava was still proficient in twisting the truth.Ignoring her sister, Chloe placed a bag on the table and said in a flat tone, "These are all the jewelry and clothes you gave me. The dolls and such are at the Johnsons'."Ava grabbed Chloe’s hand and asked worriedly, "Where have you been staying the past few days?""Does it matter?""I asked Em and she said you haven't been at her place." Ava bit her lip, her voice thick with concern. "You should come. It's not safe for a girl to stay outside alone."Jake knew a thing or two about Chloe's involvement with an older man and a mixture of disdain and disappointment filled his heart. On one hand, he felt responsible for her downfall, but on the other, he felt she should not just give up on herself even though their relationship did not work out."Ava’s right. It's not right for a girl to be alone. Go back home," Jake chimed in and said in a preachy tone.Chloe was speechless. "Is there something wrong with you guys?"Af